N.L. urges Ottawa to negotiate fair implementation of national pharmacare

The provincial government is calling on the federal government to engage in meaningful negotiations on the rollout of national pharmacare, saying the current approach leaves some provinces without equitable access to covered medications.

Premier Tony Wakeham said the province supports national pharmacare in principle but is concerned that funding agreements have been reached with only a limited number of jurisdictions, while others — including Newfoundland and Labrador — remain outside the framework.

Wakeham raised the issue with federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel during a meeting in November 2025 and followed up in writing in December. He also wrote twice to the prime minister, in December 2025 and again in February 2026. Provincial Health and Community Services Minister Lela Evans wrote to Michel in January 2026.

The province argues that its demographic and health realities must be reflected in any national program. Newfoundland and Labrador has among the highest rates of diabetes in Canada, and the government says access to medications without financial barriers is essential to improving health outcomes.

The provincial government says it is ready to resume discussions with Ottawa and work toward a national pharmacare program that is implemented fairly, respects provincial circumstances and delivers benefits to residents in every region of the country.